Near De Soto in Vernon County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Chief Win-no-shik, the Elder

Photographed by Keith L, October 7, 2009

1. Chief Win-no-shik, the Elder Marker

Inscription. Win-no-shik, the Elder, was a notable chief of the Winnebago. On a treaty signed February 27, 1855, at Washington, D. C., his signature reads "Wau-kon-chaw-koo-haw, or the Coming Thunder, or Win-no-shik."

Win-no-shik was promoted to the rank of chief when quite young and always was popular with his people. Historians have written that he was of medium-size, handsome, and "always carried a pipe, especially at council meetings. As a man, he was modest, kind and courteous; as a chief, dignified, firm and just in the exercise of his authority."

In 1829, Win-no-shik was head chief of the larger Winnebago village at La Crosse. When the Winnebago moved to Iowa, he was made head chief of the tribe and remained chief of his own band. After Win-no-shik's death, his brother, Young Winneshiek, or Short Wing, and his son, Little Winneshiek, or Striking Tree, moved back to Wisconsin, near Black River Falls, where his descendants still live.

Erected 1975 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 216.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 27, 1939.

Location. 43° 25.645′

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N, 91° 12.241′ W. Marker is near De Soto, Wisconsin, in Vernon County. It is on Great River Road (State Highway 35) 0.4 miles north of Main Street (State Highway 82), on the left when traveling north. Marker is at a highway pull-off. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: De Soto WI 54624, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Corn Belt,

in the Driftless Area — Bluff Country,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Winneshiek’s Landing (a few steps from this marker); Black Hawk War (approx. 2.1 miles away); Battle of Bad Axe (approx. 2.1 miles away); Head of Battle Isle (approx. 2.2 miles away); Black Hawks Outpost (approx. 3.4 miles away); Site of Red Bird's Village (approx. 6 miles away); Black Hawk and Winnebago Trail (approx. 6 miles away); Walnut Mound Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in De Soto.

Photographed by Keith L, October 7, 2009

2. Chief Win-no-shik, the Elder Marker

View from Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, October 7, 2009

3. View from Marker

Photographed by Greta Schassler, May 2, 2026

4. Chief Win-no-shik, the Elder Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,509 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 22, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on May 2, 2026, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.